DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The therapy focuses on teaching individuals skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. DBT has been shown to be effective not only for BPD (borderline personality disorder) but also for other mental health conditions, such as addiction and substance use disorders as well as eating disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is DBT Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder who often experience self-harm and overwhelming feelings. DBT has been shown to be effective for other mental health conditions that lead to pain and distress, such as addiction, depressive disorders, and anxiety-based disorders.

DBT Therapy Process

DBT typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions with a trained therapist, as well as weekly group skills training sessions. During individual therapy sessions, you will work with your therapist to identify problematic behaviors or emotions and develop strategies to address them. Group skills training sessions focus on teaching skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships.

Skills training covers four main areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Some coaching may also be available to help you apply skills in real-time situations outside of therapy. DBT therapy is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping you achieve a better quality of life by improving emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and overall functioning.

• Training through weekly individual and group sessions
• Developing strategies to address problem behaviors and emotions
• Improving mindfulness, emotion regulation, and other skills
• Focusing on helping you achieve better quality of life overall

How Does DBT Work?

DBT therapy works by teaching individuals skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. This is accomplished through a combination of individual therapy and group skills training. By learning and practicing these helpful techniques and skills, you can improve your ability to cope with difficult situations, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being in recovery.

Benefits of DBT Therapy

DBT is  effective in treating many mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. DBT is structured and comprehensive, providing you with practical skills and strategies to manage symptoms. As you train, DBT emphasizes the importance of a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, which can help individuals feel heard and validated. Ultimately, DBT empowers you to take an active role in treatment and improve your overall feeling and sense of life.

• Effective for mental health
• Structured and comprehensive
• Practical skills and strategies
• Symptom management
• Non-judgmental stance
• Validates thoughts and feelings

DBT Therapy Experience

The DBT treatment experience typically involves a combination of individual therapy and group skills training. Individual therapy sessions provide an opportunity for you to discuss concerns and work with a trained therapist to make strategies for problem thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, group skills training focuses on practical skills to manage emotions, tolerate distress, and improve relationships, while additional coaching helps you apply these skills in real-life situations outside sessions.

What is DBT Therapy Like?

In addition to individual sessions, people typically attend weekly group skills training sessions for DBT. This skills training covers mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. In between therapy sessions, coaching helps you apply these new skills outside of therapy. This can be especially effective for managing crisis or despair.

Throughout the process, the therapist, group, and individual work to develop and refine skills, with the goal of improving emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and overall functioning. DBT is useful study, and many individuals find it to be an empowering experience that can lead to improved mental and physical well-being.